Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Of Love and Other Demons ❯ The Morning Report ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, Naruto, Peacemaker or Shinsengumi

 

Timeline: An Aoshi/Misao story set in canon approximately three years after the Jinchuu Arc.

 

Author Note: The Hajime Saito portrayed in this story comes mostly from the Japanese drama named Shinsengumi and was played by actor Odagiri Jo, his cool portrayal of Saito has made me revise my thoughts on this character (the fact that he's cute helps too!). So if he seems out-of-character sometimes, it's just my love for Mr. Odagiri's performance that makes this Saito act as he does! Also, there are some abilities attributed to him that have been taken from the Saito interpretation in Peacemaker Kurogane and integrated into my ultimate version of Saito for the purposes of this story.

 

In the old days, by the way, tuberculosis was known as consumption.

 

 

 

 

 

“Of Love and other Demons”

 

 

Part 1: The morning report…

 

Aoshi woke early, as he usually did, went through his morning routines and finally emerged from his room dressed in his western suit ready for his translator duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There was a meeting with the Spanish envoy this morning and there was a good chance he'd be done early since the minister seemed to get along well with Ambassador Murrieta and the man was a friendly and charming individual. It helped that the man and his wife seemed exceptionally skilled in languages and had already learned some rudimentary Japanese in the two weeks they'd been here.

 

 

 

 

`Must have breakfast and tea first!' he thought hoping in vain that Misao might be up already. `Tea just doesn't taste as good as when she makes it' he sighed, `but I doubt she'll be up this early!' He resigned himself to go without Misao's special tea until he got back and made his way towards the kitchen.

 

 

 

He looked up at the twilit sky of early morning as he emerged from his room and breathed in the morning air. `Still, it is good to be home!' he affirmed as he had every morning since he'd been back. All the months he'd spent with the minister traveling in the U.S.A. had taken a toll on him. The only somewhat pleasant stop on their trip had been a little town called Rock Creek. The Inn Keeper was a very young girl possessed of boundless energy and good cheer. But her attentiveness and hospitality had just served to remind him how homesick he was. And how he missed Misao's tea! He chuckled as he recalled Misao's outrage at hearing that the only good cup of tea he had in six months was at The Rock Creek Inn.

 

 

 

`Her name was Amelia!' he recalled `Even her name sounds as cheerful as Misao's!' he concluded amused as he made his way toward the kitchen hoping Okon or Omasu might have started breakfast already. He exchanged a “Good Morning” with a sleepy Okina as they passed each other in the hallway. The old man's right eyebrow shot up as he took in Aoshi's clothing but he continued on his way to the bath without comment.

 

 

 

Aoshi sighed, relieved that Okina hadn't bothered him about the suit. The first few days he'd been back from America Okina hadn't passed up an opportunity to harass him about it. Of course, it hadn't helped that Okon and Omasu had giggled encouragingly, and were it not for Misao's passionate defense they'd probably still be at it! But even though he'd been back for almost a month already, every once in a while, mostly when Misao wasn't around, Okina just couldn't resist taking a swing at it.

 

 

 

He entered the kitchen and to his surprise it was Misao who was there alone and with breakfast well under way. Her back was turned and he smiled `I guess I get to have good tea after all!' he thought “Good Morning Misao” he greeted in his usual tone.

 

 

 

“Good Morning Lord Aoshi,” she greeted softly barely turning to acknowledge him. He thought he saw a flicker of guilt shoot across her face as she turned back to her task.

 

 

 

“Tea will be ready in a few minutes,” she said softly. He sat down to wait for her usual non-stop chatter to begin but was concerned when it never came. He didn't like it when she was quiet it usually meant something was wrong.

 

 

 

`Come to think of it she was quiet last night too,' Aoshi mused, when asked how her day had been she'd merely shrugged and said it was fine but didn't bother to elaborate. When Aoshi had asked if she was all right she'd told him she was just tired. It was not in Misao's nature to be quiet or depressed, the absence of her usual cheerfulness put his senses on alert

 

 

 

“Misao, are you feeling well?” he asked a touch of concern in his voice

 

 

 

“I'm ok,” she answered quietly. He waited for her to continue but nothing more came

 

 

 

“You just don't sound like yourself this morning,” he began “Are you sure you're all right?” he asked, concern now evident in his tone. He watched her quietly as her unsteady hand reached for a teacup. She put the cup down and shook her head

 

 

 

“I'm so sorry!” she sobbed. In an instant he was at her side pulling her gently away from the counter and sitting her next to him. He wiped a tear away from her cheek with his thumb, but she wouldn't look at him.

 

 

 

“What is it?! Sorry about what Misao?! Tell me!” Aoshi asked alarmed at her reaction

 

 

 

“I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry Lord Aoshi!” she repeated and sobbed more openly now. He pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her rubbing her back gently in the way Hannya used to when she was upset.

 

 

 

“I didn't understand! I didn't! I'm so sorry!” she sobbed against his chest.

 

 

 

“It's ok Misao, just tell me what happened,” he soothed, and waited for her to calm down enough to tell him what happened. A few moments later her sobbing stopped and she took a deep breath

 

 

 

“Do you remember my friends from Konohagakure?” she asked, he nodded

 

 

 

“Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke,” he stated “Naruto is your oldest and closest friend, I remember you were very little when you met him. You told me he used to travel with you when you went searching for us, his father was a Choshu clansman who was killed early during the Revolution and his mother died of consumption when he was twelve. He lived with his cousin Sasuke's family until last year, when both he and Sasuke joined the army. They seem to have some rivalry in regards to the favor of your friend Sakura, but she seems to favor Sasuke. She lives near the Uchiha Family, her family owns and operates a soy sauce factory and you met her through Naruto …” he paused and looked down at her face, her eyes wide with amazement

 

 

 

“Am I right so far?” he asked, worried about whether he'd gotten all his facts right or not.

 

 

 

“Oh yes! Yes! That's all correct!” she replied starting to sound more like herself to Aoshi's relief.

 

 

 

“Then what happened? Are they alright?” Aoshi inquired worried they might have been hurt somehow.

 

 

 

“Oh no! They're fine! Well, at least Sakura and Naruto are, I don't know about Sasuke though I kicked him harder then I should have…” she began with a guilty look on her face. He gave her a puzzled look

 

 

 

“Well see, Sakura's been bugging me for weeks to help her go see Sasuke. I just didn't think we should be messing around anywhere near the base since women aren't allowed there and we might get them in trouble, but she hadn't seen him in months because he and Naruto are on some special training so…” she paused again the guilty look on her face

 

 

 

“So you agreed to help her find a way to see him, correct?” Aoshi guessed still wondering what in the world could have made her this upset on such a simple outing

 

 

 

“She was really depressed! I had to at least try to help her! She's my friend!” she defended, again that worried look on her face and guilty tone in her voice

 

 

 

“It's alright Misao, you would never deny a friend in need. I understand perfectly,” he soothed “now tell me what happened,” he prompted patiently. She sighed and leaned against his chest again

 

 

 

“Well, we went to go see old willow-head Saito at his office to find out if he could help us but you know how he is, he wouldn't even give us the time of day!” she began...

 

 

 

 

Yesterday Afternooon…

 

 

 

“Listen weasel-girl, I don't have either the time or the interest in your little friend's love life.” Saito informed her, scorn heavy in his tone, his patience obviously long gone. He reached into one of his desk drawers and pulled out a cigarette and his matches. He lit it and took a drag

 

 

 

“Now get out!” he ordered irritated, puffing out a blast of nicotine laced smoke at the two girls. Indignant, Misao jumped out of her chair and was gearing up to give him a piece of her mind when a loud knock on the door cut her off. A tall and handsome officer with a big fake smile wearing a blue foreign uniform barged into Saito's office. Saito rolled his eyes

 

 

 

“That's great! It seems today's my day for annoying visitors!” Saito growled frustrated. Misao huffed angrily but held her tongue, she didn't like the look of this new arrival. She eyed him suspiciously, his arrogant smile felt sinister to Misao and she didn't like the way he was looking at her very pretty friend Sakura.

 

 

 

“Oh come now Fujita! Shouldn't you be in a better mood with such lovely company!” The foreign officer countered not taking his eyes off Sakura

 

 

 

“Moron!” Saito ground out and Misao for the first time today wholeheartedly agreed with him. The foreigner ignored him, concentrating on Sakura

 

 

 

“Allow me to introduce myself… I am Col. Keith Watts of the United States Army, at your service!” he announced in a debonair tone as he took Sakura's hand and kissed it lightly. Misao watched horrified as Sakura giggled at the man's action. Sakura took a step back and bowed

 

 

 

“I'm Sakura and this is my friend Misao. Pleased to meet you!” she responded. Misao stuck her hands in the sleeves of her kimono and bowed slightly not bothering to hide her distrust

 

 

 

“Pleased to meet you,” she ground out reluctantly `If he touches me I'm going to kick his butt!' she promised herself as she glared at him. Keith looked her up and down and dismissed her going back to smiling at Sakura. Misao fought valiantly the urge to kick him in the head.

 

 

 

“My office is not a teahouse!! If you want to socialize do it elsewhere! You two girls get going!” Saito interrupted angrily. For once Misao didn't feel like arguing with him.

 

 

 

“Fine! Come on Sakura we're leaving!” she declared, grateful to have an excuse to leave. She grabbed Sakura's wrist and began to leave, but Sakura planted herself and pulled her hand away. She turned back towards Saito's desk and renewed her pleading to be allowed to see Sasuke. Saito glared at her, but before he could order the girl to stop Col. Watts stepped in.

 

 

 

“My dear lady, if you'd like to see your friends that can easily be arranged! After all, I am in charge of candidate selection and training for the special weapons unit. I would be delighted to give you a tour of the training camp.” He proposed silkily.

 

 

 

Sakura squealed in delight “Oh! We'd love to!” she gushed “Right Misao!!”

 

 

 

“I don't know Sakura, the guys might not like us barging into their `boys only' club!” Misao suggested hoping one more time to dissuade Sakura from this endeavor. Saito nodded in approval

 

 

 

“A military base is no place for young women,” he added sternly. Misao bit her tongue and let the remark slide `anything to get Sakura out of here!' she thought

 

 

 

“But Misao! You promised!” she begged with a pleading in her voice and a sad look on her face that buckled Misao's resolve

 

 

 

“Ok, fine let's go,” she sighed. `Lord Aoshi would never leave a friend in need and neither will I!' she declared. She didn't trust this foreigner anyway and she wasn't about to leave Sakura alone with him.

 

 

 

“Well, that's settled!” Col. Watts announced, “Shall we?” he invited, taking Sakura's arm “Inspector Fujita, do you mind if we discuss our business later?” he added. The arrogant tone in the colonel's voice made the muscles in Saito's jaw twitch in anger.

 

 

 

“I do mind! Because that means you'll be wasting my time twice in one day!” he retorted angrily. He extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray on his desk and got up; retrieving his hat, gloves and sword he walked towards the door

 

 

 

“Let's get this over with!” he grumbled to the rest of the party. This surprised Misao, she didn't expect him to come along, it seemed out of character. She was glad he was coming along though and found herself walking close to him. They approached the gate and the soldiers there greeted Saito and the colonel with sharp salutes. Misao smiled as she recognized the soldiers

 

 

 

“Good Afternoon Lady Misao!” they greeted cheerfully

 

 

 

“Good afternoon, Jonouchi! Good afternoon, Hiroto!” she returned grateful to see friendly faces. Sakura greeted them a little more formally than Misao as she introduced her. Sakura wasn't nearly as popular with the people of Kyoto as Misao was so she wasn't familiar with these two men. It was one of the many reasons she liked being Misao's friend. Thanks to her she got to meet new people and experience new things that she would otherwise not get to do.

 

 

 

“What brings the Okashira of the Oniwaban clan to our camp today?” Jo asked, pleased that Misao remembered them

 

 

 

“Just a tour!” she replied cheerfully

 

 

 

“Oh! That's great! Umm…Okashira, just because it's our duty…” Jo began, looking uncomfortable

 

 

 

“Otherwise we wouldn't ask! I swear! But if you have any of your shuriken with you, you've gotta leave them here with us…” Hiroto finished obviously not liking the thought of disarming the leader

 

 

 

“Sorry! Civilians aren't aloud to bring in weapons to the base…” Jo apologized still looking uncomfortable. Misao smiled

 

 

 

“Don't worry guys! I understand!” she assured him and was about to reach into her kimono sleeve for her kunai when Saito's gloved hand suddenly dropped onto her shoulder, signaling her silently to stop.

 

 

 

“Morons! Don't you think the Okashira would know that?” Saito gruffly answered “Come on! Let's go!” he growled. He pulled Misao past the guards who cheerfully agreed with Saito and let Misao and the others pass without argument. Cheerfully, they waved goodbye and thanked her for visiting. Misao waved back

 

 

 

`He never calls me Okashira! What's up with that?' she mused and turned to look up at Saito. He sounded angry so she had expected him to look ready to kill. She didn't expect him to be smiling. Well, smirking mischievously was a more appropriate description. When she turned to look at Col. Watts she understood why

 

 

 

“I'm sorry…I'm not familiar with the word Okashira…what does it mean?” he asked tentatively, a confused look on his face.

 

 

 

“It's her ninja rank! I'm not sure how to put it but it's kind of like calling you Colonel...” Sakura began distractedly. She craned her neck as they passed the first courtyard where a group of cadets were doing drill practice trying to see if she could spot Sasuke or even Naruto. Misao wondered why it was that none of the cadets seemed surprised that two young girls were strolling through their base.

 

 

 

“Actually, it's more like General if you want to put it in military terms,” Saito interjected

 

 

 

“Yes, that's correct! She is the leader of the Oniwaban group of ninjas!” Sakura helpfully supplied still looking around for Sasuke.

 

 

 

“Oh, a ninja, eh? Fascinating! I've always wanted to meet a ninja,” Watts gave Misao a wary look. Misao tried to look as innocent and girly as possible; obviously Watts had underestimated her just like everyone else usually did. It's the part of her job she enjoyed the most! It also became apparent that Saito might have wanted her to keep her weapons so that she could make some sort of ninja demonstration at some point in their tour. She resolved to keep a close eye on Saito and wait for his signal.

 

 

 

“Not just any ninja! An Oniwaban ninja!” Sakura continued as Watts continued to watched Misao warily. Misao ignored his wary glances, pointing out what nice weather they were having today on that cool January morning.

 

 

 

“Just over three years ago, when Misao first became leader, they helped stop a small army of arsonists from burning Kyoto to the ground!” she elaborated cheerfully. She was referring of course to the Shishio incident; the official story then had been that groups of disgruntled Samurai were responsible for trying to set fire to the city as revenge towards the Meiji government. And in fact most people involved in government today, except those in the higher echelons and those closely involved in the fight against Shishio didn't know the whole tale and probably never would.

 

 

 

“Oh really?” Watts answered starting to sound annoyed that this slip of a girl was stealing his spotlight. Misao looked up at Saito who was trying valiantly not to laugh, hiding an amused smirk behind his hand and looking away

 

 

 

“They're very decent and caring people, but they're also among the strongest and smartest warriors in all of Japan!” Sakura declared cheerfully still looking around for her target

 

 

 

“Well, I should like to see that!” Watts announced in an arrogant tone. Misao seethed `Just you wait, Watts! I'll show you!' she promised herself. She glanced at Saito and from the look on his face he didn't much like the colonel's tone either. They paused at the next courtyard where a group of cadets were practicing their marksmanship with the Winchester rifle. Here Watts took the time to extol the virtues of the rifles as well as elaborate on how effectively he had used this and other modern weapons during his tour of duty in the American Civil War.

 

 

 

Misao rolled her eyes `Blah, blah, blah! This guy sure is full of himself! When will this be over already?' she wondered. She looked up to ask Saito but stopped herself. He was staring at the rifles, anger and resentment flashed in his eyes. Then she recalled that the Winchesters in the hands of the Choshu had killed several Shinsengumi members, including at least one squad leader

 

 

`And wasn't Hijikata - the demon vice commander - shot and killed too?' she speculated. She made a mental note to ask Lord Aoshi deducing that he would probably know. She did step a little closer to him and in a small attempt to show her support she reached into her kimono for her kunai. Saito dropped his hand on her shoulder and shook his head

 

 

 

“Are you sure?” she whispered “I can out shoot these guys with my eyes closed!” she asserted quietly. Saito smirked

 

 

 

“No, that won't be necessary, thank you,” Saito replied, he patted her on the shoulder and his head turned suddenly as though listening to something no one else could hear. He chuckled, shook his head and relaxed; sticking his hands in his pockets he continued watching the bungling soldiers try to look cool and efficient with mild disdain. Misao just shrugged and resigned herself to suffering the rest of this tour.

 

 

 

Finally, they moved on as Watts announced the near completion of the tour. Sakura paid very little attention as she scanned each face looking for the one she most desired to see. Misao rolled her eyes for the millionth time that afternoon. She was becoming more and more disgusted with the insufferable expositions of Col. Watts. They went into the barracks through the junior officers lounge where several young men jumped to their feet to stand at attention. She waved casually at the men whom she recognized as they exited through the other side of the room where she could immediately see the largest courtyard in the complex.

 

 

 

“When will this be over?!” she whispered angrily to herself as they made their way to the furthest end of the last courtyard, feeling she was nearly at the end of her patience. Saito chuckled softly

 

 

 

“Remember weasel-girl, you were the one that wanted to come here!” he teased quietly

 

 

 

“Listen willow-head! For your information I only came here `cause I wanted to help my friend!” she whispered back

 

 

 

“Well then maybe you ought to be a little less helpful!” he taunted lightly

 

 

 

“I can't stop being helpful to my friends anymore than you can stop being a wolf!” she retorted in a harsh whisper. She realized immediately how rude (even for her!) her words sounded as soon as they left her mouth. She looked up to apologize right away but she paused, Saito wasn't angry he looked in fact surprised and amused

 

 

 

“Touché, weasel-girl! I like being a wolf…so you keep being a helpful little weasel-girl and I'll continue being a wolf! Agreed?” he suggested amicably. Misao smiled and nodded her agreement. They walked in amicable silence, listening to the unbearable narratives of Col. Watts as they walked towards a small rise where several clusters of cadets were gathered.

 

 

 

“And this ladies and gentlemen is the crowning achievement in modern warfare `The Gatling Gun!'” he announced proudly. Saito rolled his eyes and Misao just stared at the four gleaming behemoths that the cadets were clustered about. In the back of her mind she wondered what Lord Aoshi must've thought when he saw one for the first time

 

 

 

The instructor came up to talk to Col. Watts for a moment then went back to his students. Misao heard a sharp intake of breath next to her and turned to see Sakura pointing gleefully at the gun to the far right. Naruto and Sasuke were in the group with the first gun. All the men looked up not surprised to see pretty girls escorted into the base by Col. Watts he was always showing off after all, but they were very surprised when they realized that one of the girls was none other than the Okashira of the Oniwaban who looked both tired and very irritated.

 

 

 

“It looks like we've arrived just in time to watch today's training session!” Watts pointed out smugly. Naruto and Sasuke spotted the two girls. Cheerful Naruto waved happily with both arms and broody Sasuke raised a hand in greeting. The order was sounded for all the students to take their places. Misao watched several students pick up four straw filled dummies and carry them towards the wall at the end of the field. Swiftly, they tied the roughly 7ft tall oddly shaped mannequins to four bamboo stakes that were lined up on the far wall directly in the path of each gun, then they ran back to kneel behind their respective gun.

 

 

 

“As you've probably noticed there will be live fire today, so don't be scared, you're perfectly safe here with me!” Col Watts advised in a patronizing tone. It was just lucky for him that neither girl was paying any attention to him any more. Sakura was too busy adoring Sasuke from a distance. Her mind lost in romantic fantasies about him already. Misao on the other hand was taking in every detail of the session…

 

 

 

There were four cadets to each gun: one to load, one to fire and it looked like the other two would be switching places with the first two. Naruto was on the loading station with the first gun's team and Misao watched carefully as he finished putting the magazine on the gun and stepped aside. He turned and waved at her, then indicated with his hands that they should cover their ears. Misao waved back and nodded to show that she'd understood. Sasuke took his position; he was assigned to fire the gun.

 

 

 

Each of the cadets positioned themselves with their left arm bracing the gun and their right hand on the firing lever and waited for the order to fire. Misao stared at the faceless straw filled dummies and as the instructor called out the signal to fire, her already exhausted mind began playing tricks on her. Four familiar and beloved faces suddenly substituted the faceless mannequins

 

 

 

`Hyotoko, Chikijo, Bessimi, Hannya!!' She gasped, her mind screamed at her to do something! As the barrage of the heavy guns shreds the giant targets swiftly four of the five kunai she kept in her kimono sleeve at all times shot out of her hand in succession. Each knife embedded itself in the bullet magazine causing the guns to jam. The soldiers gave their guns and each other bewildered glances at a loss for what could have caused the gun to grind to a halt. One soldier however managed to figure out the problem right away and moved to correct it. Armed with the speed and strength of a full-fledged ninja Misao launched herself forward to stop him…

 

 

 

Clever Sasuke Uchiha knew right away what had gone wrong as soon as he heard the grinding noise the machine made as it stopped. He stepped forward toward the magazine spotting almost instantly the obstruction. It looked familiar `A kunai?' he thought as he reached for it `but why…' * WHAM!!* The bottom of Misao's foot slammed into the back of his head before he could figure the rest of it out. He pitched forward violently from the force of the blow, tripped over the ammo box next to the gun and fell face forward on the ground. Everything went black…

 

 

 

Her speed had carried her so quickly past the three men behind Sasuke that she had plenty of time to land then whirl around to meet their counter attack. But they had barely managed to get to their feet when Misao's quick and powerful roundhouse kick caught two out of three in the head. Naruto, being more familiar with Misao's fighting style, managed to roll out of the way just in time to miss it! He jumped to his feet barely managing to block a punch and dodge her next kick.

 

 

 

Naruto knew he was in trouble as he managed to dodge another quick barrage. She had that scary non-Misao look on her face that she always got when someone insulted Lord Aoshi. He had to think of something, she was picking up speed, and he knew his luck would run out soon!!

 

 

 

“ENOUGH!!!” Saito's voice boomed across the courtyard. Misao stopped in mid-motion as her last kick almost landed on Naruto's head. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to be spared the Misao-induced headache that Sasuke and the others would suffer tonight. She relaxed her fighting stance; the torrent of emotions that the guns had unleashed ebbed somewhat as she surveyed the damage she'd done. She bent down to help Sasuke to his feet slightly worried that she might have seriously injured her friend. She heard Saito and Watts speaking in hushed urgent tones but were too far away to make out what they said. Sakura rushed towards Sasuke demanding to know if he was alright and what in the world was going on.

 

 

 

Misao paid no attention to any of it. Her eyes became glued to the destroyed mannequins. Her mind pictured Aoshi injured, defeated and alone in the aftermath of the incident at Kanryu's estate. Her heart broke but she resolved that she would not cry there. She wanted to show the strength of the Oniwaban in both fighting prowess as well as composure. Saito lead her out of the base through a different and much shorter route. She asked about Sakura several times as they made their way out of the compound but Saito insisted she would be alright because he'd already made suitable arrangements to get her home safely…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her story stopped there as she sobbed softly against his chest. Aoshi simply held her as fear numbed his mind. The only thing he could think of was Misao in a base full of guns being fired by cocky, inexperienced men. `Just one stray bullet could've taken her from me!' his mind raged as his arms wrapped tightly around Misao `I'm going to kill Watts!!' he promised himself savagely as she cried her heart out. It took all of his considerable self-discipline to control his fury

 

 

 

“I'm so sorry Lord Aoshi! I never really understood how horrible it must've been for you to watch them die like that! I'm so sorry! All this time trying to make you smile! Who could possibly smile after going through all the things you went through and seeing all the things you saw!? I'm so, so sorry!!” she cried pitifully.

 

 

 

Her words were like a splash of ice-cold water. His anger melted away as he understood that her tears weren't about revisiting the death of their friends or fear of possible repercussions by the military for the attack at the base `Her tears are because of me!' he concluded humbled by Misao's selflessness. He wrapped his arms completely around her small body pulling her as close as possible. He brushed a few strands of hair away from her cheek and noticed as he did that her hair was slightly damp.

 

 

 

`She must've been up very early if her hair is almost dry, she probably couldn't get any sleep,' he reasoned, a touch of guilt starting to weigh on him. He deduced then that she was upset because she thought up until now she had been insensitive and selfish. He also realized that it was up to him to set her straight.

 

 

 

`Why is it that I bring her nothing but pain?' he scolded himself. He thought for a moment about all the stories and jokes she told him. He thought about the times they'd traveled together and all the little things she did for him. Like bringing him tea exactly when he needed it most and just the way he liked it to anywhere he might be. Or making sure his clothes were washed and pressed, cleaning and organizing his room in exactly the way that he wanted it and so many other little things too numerous to list. He leaned down and rested his cheek on the top of her head for a moment. Her hair smelled lightly of the berry-scented soap he brought her from America. He smiled…

 

 

 

“Misao there is no need for you to apologize, you haven't done anything wrong,” he began gently “and I want you to know that it comforts me to know that the Oniwaban's current Okashira is capable of defeating not one but four gatling guns at once and without getting hurt no less!” he announced “I'm very proud of you Misao,” he added solemnly.

 

 

 

She sighed and looked up at him, whatever she was going to say suddenly flew out of her mind “You're smiling!” she said surprised `and it's a real smile too!!' she thought happily and her tear-stained face suddenly brightened as she smiled back.

 

 

 

“Misao, do you remember what Hannya used to call you?” Aoshi asked pulling her close to him again

 

 

 

“He called me Little Sun,” she answered, puzzled at the sudden change in subject

 

 

 

“Did he ever tell you why?” he asked, his tone hinting he knew the answer to his own question

 

 

 

“No…Do you know Lord Aoshi?” she returned catching on

 

 

 

“He told me on the road to Tokyo the night we left,” he began “ He said it was because you were like the sun `because no matter how fierce the storm or how black the night it will always come back out to shine bright upon the world again!'” he quoted. Misao giggled…

 

 

 

“Hannya was always so mushy and corny!” she laughed happy that he was sharing this little memory with her. She would cherish it always. She stopped though as she heard an unfamiliar chuckle. She looked up amazed as she realized he was laughing too!

 

 

 

“We laughed at him then too for being so corny but he was right you know,” he asserted, his tone slightly nostalgic “no matter how bad things seem to get you always find a way to smile again, that is one of the qualities I admire in you,” he stated solemnly. Misao smiled brightly and happily allowed him to pull her close to him again.

 

 

 

They sat in silence for a moment, his eyes drifted towards the window where he caught a glimpse of Kuro and Shiro ducking out of the way trying not to be caught eavesdropping. He wondered if the others were doing the same and sure enough when he listened carefully he heard the soft breathing of three more people. `Okina, Okon and Omasu most likely,' he inferred. Again he smiled, `At least the story won't have to be repeated,' he concluded amused.

 

 

 

Misao suddenly sat up straight “Omigosh! I haven't given you your tea! Or your breakfast!! Omigosh you're going to be late!!!” she rambled on excitedly as she jumped up and hurried to retake her previously interrupted duties. He watched content as she zoomed across the kitchen with the zeal he was accustomed to seeing in her.

 

 

 

In no time at all, both his tea and his breakfast were in front of him. He picked up his cup and took a sip. He sighed contentedly, for some reason his tea tasted exceptionally good this morning. He smirked in amusement as Misao yelled out the window for Kuro and Shiro to stop eavesdropping and come get their breakfast. Okina, Okon and Omasu walked in then calling out their “Good Morning” as though they'd heard nothing. Misao glared at them accusingly, obviously not buying the innocent act and served out the tea as Shiro and Kuro joined them.

 

 

 

Soon there was a cheerful chaos in the kitchen as everyone set about eating their breakfasts and preparing the food trays for the inn's customers. He pulled his pocket watch out of his vest pocket to check the time. With regret he stood up and made to leave. He paused behind Misao and put a hand on her shoulder

 

 

 

“Misao, will you be alright now?” Aoshi asked, a flicker of concern in his eyes. Misao smiled brightly at him

 

 

 

“Don't worry Lord Aoshi!! I'm ok now!” she answered cheerfully. He nodded satisfied his face again set in his usual stoic expression

 

 

 

“We can talk again later,” he began, “ I will see you all later tonight” he said as he walked out the kitchen followed by a chorus of cheerful goodbyes from his comrades. Feeling content, he left the Aoiya and headed off to work…

 

 

 

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